Oklahoma State Looking to Rebound

Previewing Oklahoma State

I won't sugar coat it. Oklahoma State was a bad football team in 2005. The Cowboys finished 4-7, going just 1-7 in the Big 12 conference. They struggled mightily on both sides of the ball, finishing near the bottom of the NCAA rankings in passing offense (98th) and passing defense (107th). And, their rushing and rush defense were not exactly stellar. But, there were reasons for the poor performance. First year coach Mike Gundy cleaned house when he arrived, and played many freshman on both sides of the ball. The inexperience and transition to new systems took its toll. For OSU to bounce back in the tough Big 12 South division, those young players will need to show they were tempered by last season's baptism by fire.

Examining the roster shows that OSU will be young on offense once again, likely starting six sophomores and a freshman. But, as noted, many of those sophomores played as freshman. That lists includes quarterback Bobby Reid, who must find his rhythm and demonstrate the talent that made him a much-coveted recruit out of high school. Sophomore running back Mike Hamilton was the conference offensive newcomer of the year with 900+ yards last season. They do have experience in some places, particularly tackle, which will likely be manned by a junior and a senior. And, playmaking wide receiver D'Juan Woods returns for his senior season as a possible all-conference candidate.

On defense, inexperience on the backend may hamstring a potentially good front 7. The Cowboys return much of their defensive line rotation, including talented defensive ends. But, they may be pressed in to playing at least one freshman at linebacker and one in the secondary.

Thankfully for OSU, the non-conference schedule includes games made for low-stakes player development. Games against Missouri State, Arkansas State and Florida Atlantic could help them build confidence as they get to 3-0. In conference, the Cowboys must travel for two of their three games against North opponents (Kansas State and Kansas in consecutive October weeks). They also draw North favorite Nebraska for a home game (more on that later). November is the really key month for OSU, as they get South favorite Texas and Texas Tech on the road, and have home games against Baylor and finish with the annual bedlam game with Oklahoma.

Beware the "Trap Game"
While on paper NU appears to have a superior team than OSU this year, their October 28th visit has the feel of a "trap" game for the Huskers. First, Nebraska must face OSU in Stillwater, a place that wasn't good to NU the last time they visited in 2002. And, OSU has pulled recent notable upsets of OU when playing at home. And, even last year's 4-7 team gave eventual national champion Texas all they wanted in a night home game. The NU game could likely kick off around 6:00 pm. OSU is also NU's first opponent after NU's huge game with Texas. Whether they win or lose in that UT game, it's possible for NU to overlook the Cowboys. So, the NU coaches must keep the players focused, and expect them to play their own game - not their competition's - in order to avoid trouble in Stillwater.

More 2006 Previews: Louisiana Tech, Nicholls State, USC, Troy, Kansas, Iowa State, Kansas State, Texas, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Texas A&M, Colorado